There are now five individuals who have announced their intentions to run for Emporia City Commission this election cycle.
The latest candidates to submit their paperwork was Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate co-owner Jamie Sauder and Guardian Construction owner Jermy Hinkle who both filed paperwork Thursday.
Sauder says if elected he plans to continue work to formulate a “well thought out and executed plan” to address the city’s well-known housing shortage.
KVOE will have comment from Hinkle at a later time.
Other candidates to file this week include Simmons Human Resources staffer William Garner, entrepreneur Travis Hitt and technology specialist Todd Maddox.
Incumbent Susan Brinkman filed for re-election back in March. Fellow incumbent Danny Giefer has not announced his decision on whether he plans to run, while Jon Geitz announced in March he would not be seeking another term on the commission. Another four candidates would be needed for a primary.
Meanwhile, the pack is also continuing to grow in the USD 253 Board of Education race.
Dr. Jennifer Thomas, a longtime professor at Emporia State University, says her time at ESU will give her insight into what’s needed in education. She also says being in higher education has given her a number of perspectives — one of the most important ones being respect of others.
Kansas Appleseed Director and former United Way of the Flint Hills director Jami Reever calls education “the great equalizer.” She wants to focus on a range of lessons as the district emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lillian Lingenfelter, an educator in Marion County, says she is well-versed in different education processes that are coming to the forefront in the district.
Newman Regional Health obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Christina Faulkner wants to augment student learning while serving as a voice for families.
Emporia Church of the Nazarene lead pastor Paul Meinke filed earlier this week.
Three incumbents are up for re-election. So far, only Mike Crouch has filed. Doug Epp and Melissa Ogleby have not filed. Another four candidates are needed to force a primary Aug. 3.
Separately, Brian Shank has filed for Neosho Rapids City Council, joining Tess Shepherd and incumbent Karla Mendoza on the ballot. Incumbents Matt Martin and Larry Masenthin have not filed. Meanwhile, Dallas Shepherd has filed for Neosho Rapids mayor.
The filing and withdrawal deadline is noon Tuesday.
